Side Effects of Levaquin
Patients administering Levaquin might experience few side effects. However, it is not necessary that every individual taking this drug will experience side effects. Most of the common side effects associated with the drug usually go away with the regular usage of the drug and do not require any medical attention. Common side effects that are reported while using Levaquin include:
- Mild diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
Severe Side Effects of Levaquin
Few patients taking Levaquin might experience severe side effects or allergic reactions. Upon experiencing any of the severe side effects, patients must immediately stop taking this drug and consult the doctor. Severe side effects that are rarely experienced by few patients include:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Swelling of lips, face and tongue
- Hives
- Inflammation of the colon
Drug Interactions
Certain drugs including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal products are known to interact with Levaquin. Thus, patients taking any of the prescription or non-prescription drug should inform their doctor before taking Levaquin. Following drugs are known to interact with Levaquin:
- Theophylline
- Diuretic or water pill
- Depression medication like amitriptyline, clomipramine, iloperidone, nortriptyline and other
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, Celecoxib, diclofenac etc.
- Heart rhythm medication like disopyramide, Dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol etc.
- Diabetes medications
- Iron supplements and multi vitamins containing calcium
Levaquin Warnings and Important Precautions
Patients prescribed with Levaquin should be aware of warnings and important precautions associated with the drug. This is important so that patients do not pose any further risk to their health. Some of the Levaquin warnings and precautions are:
- Levaquin may cause rare heart problem called QT prolongation. Thus, patients should immediately inform to their doctor if they experience sudden change in their heartbeat
- Patients experiencing pain, numbness and weakness in hands or legs must immediately report to the doctor, as Levaquin can cause damage to nerves in the arms, legs, hands or feet.
- Blood sugar levels of the patients taking Levaquin must be regularly checked because this drug may affect the blood sugar level.
- Skin becomes more sensitive to light while using Levaquin, so one should use adequate sun protection while taking Levaquin.
- Plenty of fluids should be taken by the patients while taking Levaquin.
This drug should be avoided by the patients if they are suffering from the following problems:
- Allergic to Levofloxacin or to any other ingredient of the drug
- Allergic to quinolone antibiotics
- Having history of tendinitis or tendon rupture
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers
